Cell Biology
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death, a controlled process where cells systematically dismantle themselves when damaged, infected, or no longer needed. Distinct from necrosis (uncontrolled cell death from injury).
Biological Context
Apoptosis sculpts developing organisms (removing webbing between fingers), eliminates damaged cells before they become cancerous, and removes infected cells. Cancer often involves apoptosis failure. The cell shrinks, fragments its DNA, and packages contents for recycling.
Business Application
Organizational apoptosis: controlled shutdown of failing projects, divisions, or products before they damage the whole. Strategic divestiture is healthier than letting failing units drag down performance.